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As we head into the weekend, millions of residents across portions of the southern Great Plains and into the Lower Ohio Valley are being or will be affected by a winter storm. As we’ve already seen from its impact earlier this week, this winter storm system has potential to produce moderate to heavy snow, significant ice accumulations and heavy rainfall. Not only does this storm present hazardous travel conditions, but there is potential for major and prolonged power outages in the greatest impact areas, due to ice loading on power lines and strong wind gusts.At this time, there...

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.Honoring our VeteransHere at FEMA we’re fortunate to have veterans from all five branches of our nation’s military working at headquarters, in our regional offices and on the ground during disasters. We appreciate all that they have done by serving in the armed forces and all that they continue to do with their public service here at FEMA.This Veterans Day, join us in honoring our nation...

A year after Hurricane Sandy, we’ve seen countless stories of communities coming together and neighbors helping neighbors to recover from this storm. While we still have a long way to go, the signs of recovery can be seen across the region. We remain committed to standing with those impacted as they continue to build back, and will continue to provide all eligible aid as this effort goes on. Visit the New York and New Jersey disaster pages for more recovery updates.

Throughout the recent government shutdown, FEMA was committed to supporting disaster survivors. Ongoing response operations to recent disasters have continued because this work is funded by the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which did not lapse with other appropriations on September 30, 2013. It will take time for FEMA to get back to business as usual. We ask for your patience in the coming days and weeks as we reactivate all of FEMA’s activities following the government shutdown. Below are some highlights from this past week of FEMA activities.ShakeOut Time!The ground shook (figuratively) and...

FEMA is preparing and coordinating with our partners for Tropical Storm Karen and the severe weather threat for the Central U.S. We’re encouraging those in the Gulf Coast and Central U.S. states to take time to make sure they’re getting prepared. Here are some steps you can take today to prepare for any severe weather threat, including tropical storms, damaging winds, and severe thunderstorms:Finish reviewing your family’s emergency plan (include your kids, too). Plan for scenarios such as how you’d stay in touch during a storm, where you could meet up in the event of an emergency...

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.Colorado flood responseWe continue supporting the ongoing response in Colorado to the flooding and mudslides that have affected thousands across the state. As dangerous conditions are still present in many areas, we’re encouraging people to remain vigilant and follow safety advice given by their local officials. To date, over 12,000 individuals in Adams, Boulder, Clear Creek,...

Although the clouds and rain may have passed, individuals and communities in central Colorado are still dealing with impacts from the recent flooding. Our hearts and prayers go out to those affected by the flooding, especially as dangerous conditions continue in many areas. It may take several days or longer for river levels to crest and begin to recede – which means those in impacted areas should remain vigilant to stay safe.Here’s a recap of the priorities from today:Search and Rescue operations continue, with five teams active in hard-to-reach areas.As some residents return...

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.Ongoing Colorado FloodingIn addition to the tropical activity in the Atlantic, we’re also closely monitoring the ongoing floods in central Colorado. Our thoughts and prayers are with the disaster survivors and families who have lost loved ones in Colorado due to the severe weather and ongoing flooding. Last night, President Barack Obama declared an emergency for three counties in...

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.PrepareAthon! LaunchIn case you missed it, yesterday FEMA and several of our key partners launched America’s PrepareAthon!. The PrepareAthon! is all about encouraging emergency preparedness through community engagement and simple actions. Things like practicing earthquake safety during the October 17 Great ShakeOut, or attending a preparedness fair in your area during National...

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.Weather OutlookAccording to our friends at the National Weather Service, there are currently no severe weather threats impacting the U.S. Heavy rain is expected for parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic going into Labor Day presenting the potential for flooding over portions of the Southeast. Folks in the Northern Rockies and Northern and Central Plains can expect higher...